A lot of drag racers have been running wider rims than their tires for a long time, it gives a flatter tread pattern. Who ever told u that narrower rims will give better traction is goofy ! If ur going to run 9" slicks, at least run 8" rims. I run 9 1/2" drag radials on 8 " rims, and have to run low air pressure to help make up for it. Radials are a little more forgiving, in my opinion.